Alternative uses of Arecanut

Many studies have been conducted to find out the alternate use of the crop. The main constituents of arecanut are polyphenols, fat polysaccharides, fibre and protein. Besides these, nuts contain alkaloids viz. arecoline (0.1 – 0.7%) and others in trace amounts such as arecadine, guvacoline and guvacine.

• It was found that tannins, a by-product from the processing of immature nuts find use in dyeing clothes, tanning leather, as a food colour, as mordant in producing variety of shades with metallic salts etc.
• The nuts contain 8-12% of fat, which can be extracted and used for confectionery purposes. The refined fat is harder than cocoa butter and can be used for blending.
• The medicinal properties were described by Vagbhata (in 4th Century AD) as effective against leucoderma, leprosy, cough, fits, worms anemia, obesity.
• Recent studies have shown that arecanut has pharmacological uses viz. Hypoglycemeic effect, mitotic activity, antihelminthic activity, cholinomimetic activity etc. However, several studies have also implicated arecanut to cause carcinogenesis.
• Further, arecanut also shows medicinal value in the following lines however these values are yet to be exploited for commercial use.
  • In the metabolic system as a digestive and carminative Anti-diabetic (Research from Hyderabad Medical College )
  • Used against certain skin diseases
  • Used as aphrodisiac
  • Improves eyesight when used as Thamboola seva
  • Helps in relieving asthma
  • CFTRI Mysore has developed a soft drink concentrate called Pan Supari Nectar
  • For Low Blood Pressure (Old Arecanut)

• Arecanut husk finds use in preparations of hard boards, paperboards, cushions and non-woven fabrics besides being a good source of furfural. But all these are not commercially exploited due to the cost factors.
• The arecanut leaf sheath could be used for preparation of throwaway cups, plates, plyboards, tea chest, packing cases and suitcases and these are commercially exploited to some extent.